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n this unforgettable episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, host Kathleen Churchwell sits down with Mike Norris, the courageous co-founder of Designated Drinks, to share the powerful story behind one of the most inspiring brands in craft beer today.

This isn’t just about brewing—it’s about rebirth.

Mike opens up about his personal battle with alcoholism and how hitting rock bottom became the spark that saved his life—and his family. In choosing a new path, he didn’t just give up drinking—he found purpose. What started as a quiet idea in a garage soon became a bold business that now offers non-alcoholic craft beer with flavor, community, and inclusivity at its core.

🧠 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Mike overcame addiction and turned his pain into purpose
• The early days of brewing with co-founder and wife, Kris, in their garage
• Why the non-alcoholic beer niche is exploding—and how they’re leading it
• Their mission to offer beer lovers a better choice without compromise
• Tips for entrepreneurs looking to build a brand that matters

Designated Drinks is more than a beverage—it’s a movement rooted in second chances, self-belief, and creating space for everyone at the table.

Whether you're a brewer, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream—this is the episode that proves anything is possible when you believe in yourself.

🎧 Hit play. Be inspired. And raise a glass—to hope, healing, and hustle.

🔗 Follow Designated Drinks:

https://designateddrinks.com
Instagram: @designateddrinks

🔗 Follow Kali Kat Tap Talks:

Instagram: @kalikatbeeradventures
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more

📣 Buzzsprout Tags & SEO Hashtags:

#DesignatedDrinks #NonAlcoholicBeer #AddictionRecovery #CraftBeerPodcast #EntrepreneurStory #PodcastInterview #PurposeDrivenBrand #GarageStartup #KaliKatTapTalks #DrinkSmart #BeerWithoutTheBuzz #FromPainToPurpose #SecondChances #InspiringStories #BuzzsproutPodcast

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨

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What happens when the taps run dry and the odds are stacked against you? In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go beyond the pour to uncover the real stories behind breweries, taprooms, and founders who refused to give up. From near closures to inspiring rebounds, we share the comeback journeys of local heroes who turned rock-bottom moments into revival blueprints.

You'll hear from podcast favorites like Judy Ashworth, who rebuilt her legacy after her pub burned down, and Nigel at Absolution Brewery, who kept the dream alive through hard pivots. We also spotlight Edreece of Oakland Roots, Drew and Jasmine from Liquid Intrusion Brewing, and the garage-to-glory story of Mike and Kris from Designated Drinks. Their journeys are more than beer—they're about grit, growth, and community.

Whether you're a brewer, entrepreneur, or small biz dreamer, this episode delivers the real talk and motivation you didn’t know you needed. Join us, learn from those who’ve been there, and tap into a network of support, resilience, and passion.

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨

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Get ready to crack open one of the most powerful and inspiring episodes yet on Kali Kat Tap Talks! We're going behind the brews with Drew and Jasmine, the dynamic duo behind Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company — a bold, Black-owned brewery shaking up the craft beer scene with flavor, fire, and fearless leadership.

In this exclusive sit-down, Drew and Jasmine peel back the curtain on their entrepreneurial grind — from home brewing experiments in the kitchen to breaking barriers in a highly competitive industry. 🎯 We talk community over competition, the power of collaboration, what it means to lead with purpose and diversity, and how they’re building a brand that speaks louder than hops and malt.

✨ Whether you're a craft beer junkie, a budding entrepreneur, or just love a great story, this episode is a must-listen. Their passion, resilience, and transparency will leave you inspired to start your own journey — or support someone else’s.

🚨 Don’t miss it — tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your brews & pods! 🍻

#CraftBeer #BlackOwnedBusiness #BrewingWithPurpose #BeerPodcast #LiquidIntrusion #BehindTheBrew #Entrepreneurship #HomeBrewing #DiversityInBrewing #SupportLocalBreweries #KaliKatTapTalks

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨

Send us a text

he lost everything in a fire… but what rose from the ashes was a movement.

In this jaw-dropping and deeply inspiring episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we bring you the unfiltered story of Judy Ashworth—a trailblazer who didn’t just pour beer… she poured her soul into an industry that desperately needed a champion.

She fought for small brewers before it was cool, transformed Lyons Brewery Depot into a craft beer mecca, and brought fresh keg beer to the forefront with legendary events like Christmas in July. But when tragedy struck and her pub burned to the ground, Judy’s entire world could’ve ended.

Instead, it ignited something bigger.🔥
The entire beer community—brewers, drinkers, legends—rallied around her. They didn’t just help her rebuild. They helped rewrite the history of American craft beer.

This episode is emotional, powerful, and raw—a true story of grit, passion, legacy, and the unstoppable force of community. Plus, hear how Revision Brewing honored Judy on her 80th birthday with her very own red ale: Pub Lady Pills. 🍻

🚨 If you care about beer, business, resilience, or underdogs who refuse to quit—you NEED to hear this.

🎧 Streaming now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your content.

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨

Send us a text

Before craft beer taprooms were everywhere... there was Judy Ashworth. 🍻✨
Get ready for a legendary story that changed beer history forever!

In this exciting Kali Kat Tap Talks trailer, we give you a first glimpse into the inspiring journey of Judy, the fearless beer pioneer who said goodbye to Budweiser and hello to craft beer, long before it was cool. 🎯

🔥 From hosting the first Christmas in July beer festivals, Meet the Brewer nights, and creating beer cocktails before the trend even existed, Judy set the foundation for the craft beer culture we know today.

✅ Discover how she rebuilt after tragedy
✅ Hear how she turned small-town pubs into destinations
✅ Feel inspired by the passion that fueled a movement

🎧 Don’t miss the full episode dropping soon! Hit that Subscribe button and turn on your notifications 🔔 so you’ll be first to hear her full behind-the-scenes story.

👉 If you love craft beer, brewing, local legends, and untold stories of perseverance — this episode is for you.

🚀 SHARE this teaser with your beer-loving friends and let's raise a glass to the woman who changed the game!

🍻 #KaliKatTapTalks #CraftBeerRevolution #BeerHistory #SupportLocalBreweries #BeerPodcast #WomenInBeer #BeerTrailblazer #JudyAshworth

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨

Send us a text

In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Kali Kat Talks Tap, we sit down with Edreece , Co-Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Oakland Roots SC, to uncover the inspiring story of how this community-driven soccer club is redefining what it means to blend sports, culture, and purpose. 🌱⚽

Edreece shares how the club was born from Oakland's rich diversity, grassroots passion, and the belief that sports can be a force for good. We dive into their humble beginnings, the powerful connection with local businesses and breweries (like their collab with Line 51 🍻), and how they continue to uplift the city through initiatives rooted in equity and justice.

From the boardroom to the pitch, hear firsthand how challenges became opportunities and why the Roots are more than a soccer team — they’re a movement. ✊🏾💥

Also, come on out to:

🎉 Celebrate Oakland’s Birthday with the Roots! 🎉

Join us on May 4th at 4 PM for an unforgettable day as we celebrate Oakland’s birthday with the Oakland Roots SC! 🖤⚽ There will be tons of entertainment, great vibes, and a whole lot of community love. Don’t forget to bring the family out to cheer on the Roots and enjoy a fun-filled day together! 🌟🎶🍻

Let’s show up and show out for The Town!

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨

Send us a text

Hop into this Easter-inspired episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks as we break down the best beer and wine pairings to elevate your holiday dinner—from honey-glazed ham to veggie-filled spring spreads. Whether you’re team pilsner or pinot, we’ve got the perfect sips for your feast.

Plus, we reveal our upcoming guest lineup including exclusive behind-the-scenes talks with the legendary Oakland Roots SC, the CEO of Taj Mahal Brewery, and inspiring local brewers and small business owners you won't want to miss.

This episode is proudly sponsored by CasaZá Michelada Mix – the delicious, no-mess drink you can take anywhere. Just add orange juice and your favorite lager or pilsner for a spicy-citrus kick that’s perfect for Easter brunch, backyard hangs, or chilling with your favorite podcast.
Grab yours at 👉www.casazg.com

Cheers, and Happy Easter from Kali Kat Tap Talks 🐣🍻🎧

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨

Send us a text

In this energetic and eye-opening episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we’re cracking open one of the most pressing issues in the beer world: aluminum tariffs. What do rising aluminum costs mean for your favorite breweries, taprooms, and local bars? Will your go-to canned IPA now come in a growler? Is glass about to make a bold comeback?

We’re talking global impact, how to support local businesses, and what options beer lovers and beverage brands have as packaging prices rise. Plus, our friends at Snacks on Tap, where you can make your own tasty pretzel necklace for your next beer fest.

Get ready for real talk, good vibes, and practical ways to keep your beer cold and your community strong.

🔥 Key Highlights:

• How global tariffs on aluminum are reshaping the beverage industry
• What this means for small breweries, local bars, and consumers
• Will growlers be the new normal again?
• How YOU can help your local beer scene thrive
• The rise of sustainable drinking habits
• BONUS: A delicious commercial break featuring Snacks on Tap pretzels & peanuts

Tags / Hashtags:
#KaliKatTapTalks #BeerPodcast #CraftBeerLife #BeerIndustryNews #SupportLocalBreweries #AluminumTariff #GrowlerGang #BeerPackagingCrisis #SustainableSipping #SnacksOnTap #PretzelNecklace #DrinkLocal #BeerFestivals #TaproomVibes #BevIndustryTalk #CannedBeerCrisis #HopTalk #CheersToChange #BrewCrew #BeverageIndustry2025 #BeerCommunity #CraftNotCorporate #HopsAndPolitics #BeerChronicles #Beveragechronicles #beerlovers #beergeeks #breweries

Support the show

💬 Join the Adventure! Love what you heard? Follow Kali Kat’s Tap Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories, brewery deep dives, and craft beer journeys.

📲 Connect with me:
📷 Instagram: @KaliKatBeerAdventures
🎥 TikTok: @KaliKatBeerAdventures

Kalikatbeeradventures@gmail.com

🍻 Got a brewery or taproom story to share? Reach out—I’d love to feature you on a future episode!

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps keep the taps flowing! Until next time, sip, savor, and adventure on! 🍺✨